Greensboro, Ga. (September 14, 2017) - A long-time member of the Lake Oconee Academy (LOA) family, Board of Governors founding member James Brooks, age 80, has passed away. Mr. Brooks joined the LOA Board of Governors in 2007, and was an avid supporter of quality education and strongly believed in the mission of LOA. He was instrumental in the passage of the initial charter to bring LOA to Greene County. Without his efforts, the vision of LOA may not have come to fruition. His friendly demeanor, generous nature and thoughtful actions will be missed by the LOA Board, faculty and students.

Mr. Brooks, a native of Greensboro and part-time Atlanta resident, spent his professional career in mechanical construction. In 2002, he successfully completed the Dartmouth College Tuck School of Business Advanced Minority Business Executive Program. In 2005, he was recognized by the Greene County chapter of the NAACP for his support of minority advancement and contributions to the greater Greensboro community. Mr. Brooks was named an accomplished alumnus of the former F. T. Corry High School for classes from 1949 to 1960. He also served on the board and budget committee of the Atlanta Old Timers, Inc., an organization that raises money for books and scholarships for students in the Atlanta area and beyond. He was active with students in the Greensboro Dreamers program and lived by the philosophy, "You are never too old to learn; the day you stop learning is the day you stop growing."

Mr. Brooks is survived by his wife Virginia, a retired elementary school teacher who spent over 40 years educating Atlanta students. Together they have truly impacted the lives of countless students.

"James believed that life is not always fair, but with great determination, you can achieve whatever it is you set out to accomplish," said Dr. Otho, Tucker, CEO of LOA.

In that spirit, LOA has started the James Brooks Scholarship Fund that will be awarded annually to a student who exemplifies the three cornerstones of LOA - citizenship, scholarship and community - and shown resilience and tenacity in their educational journey. Each year, LOA will honor a senior pursuing post-secondary educational work that embodies Mr. Brooks' outlook that with enough determination, anything is possible.

Contributions may be made to the James Brooks Scholarship Fund, c/o Lake Oconee Academy, 1021 Titan Circle, Greensboro, GA, 30642.

###

Citizenship, Scholarship, and Community

2014 National Blue Ribbon School

2014 Best 50 Public Elementary Schools in the U.S. by TheBestSchools.org